We’re wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving complete with safe travels and many great memories. Below are some Thanksgiving factoids you might share with your students (if you’re in session this week).

1. Abraham Lincoln issued a ‘Thanksgiving Proclamation‘ on third October 1863 and officially set aside the last Thursday of November as the national day for Thanksgiving. Whereas earlier the presidents used to make an annual proclamation to specify the day when Thanksgiving was to be held.

2. President Franklin D. Roosevelt restored Thursday before last of November as Thanksgiving Day in the year 1939. He did so to make the Christmas shopping season longer and thus stimulate the economy of the state.

3. Congress passed an official proclamation in 1941 and declared that now onward Thanksgiving will be observed as a legal holiday on the fourth Thursday of November every year.

4. Benjamin Franklin wanted the turkey to be the national bird of the United States. But it was Thomas Jefferson who opposed him. It is believed that Franklin then named the male turkey as ‘tom’ to spite Jefferson.

Source:  www.thanksgivingnovember.com

About the blogger:

Harris County Department of Education’s Communication team helps promote the efforts of HCDE’s programs and services to the education community. Our close-knit, award-winning team works together on creative strategies to effectively support the organization. We’re always looking to share great stories and on occasion contribute to the HCDE blog, School Bell.

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